How does a Dog show work?

A Dog show is basically an elimination contest. Dogs are judged at three levels: within their breed, by group and, finally, by best in show. At breed level, you start in a class that is suitable for your dogs age. Should you win your class. You are put forward for Best of Breed - where you are pitched against the other class winners within your breed. The Best of Breed winner advances to the next level - the Group stage.

There are nine groups: Working, Utility, Terrier, Gundog, Hound, Toy, Pastoral, Rare breeds and Imported register. For example, in the Sporting Group, the BoB Irish Setter, English Setter, Cocker Spaniel, Pointers and other Sporting Breed winners compete against each other. (Siberian's are in the working Breed)

At this level, each dog is judged in comparison to their breed standard as set by the Kennel Club, not against the looks of the other dogs. The Group winner is the dog that best exemplifies his standard.

The seven group winners advance to the Best in Show competition, where a judge examines the seven dogs in the same method as in the group judging, comparing the dogs to their appropriate standards. Best in Show is the ultimate accolade and the one you all strive for.

Specifically at Championship Shows, the dogs that win each class compete for Challenge Certificates (C.C.'s), dogs and bitches separately. Once you have three C.C.'s from three separate judges your dog is made up to a Champion. After the C.C's have been awarded the Best of Breed winners from each group (gundogs, working, hounds etc) are judged to find Best of Group. These are then judged for Best in Show. The dog declared the Best in Show has competed and is unbeaten by any other dog exhibited at the same show.